The top five hydrating drinks and foods for the summer season

Dehydration can lead to health problems such as diarrhea, vomiting, comas, seizures, headaches, shock and dizziness. According to celebrity nutritionist Kimberly Snyder of the National Association of Nutrition Professionals, eating and/or drinking hydrating foods and drinks throughout the day can help prevent dehydration.

Snyder also recommends these top five most hydrating drinks and foods in order to stay hydrated during the hot summer season.

Watermelon

When it comes to hydrating foods, there is nothing more hydrating than the watermelon. In 1882, the botanist Alphonse de Candolle claimed that watermelons were indigenous to southern Africa. However, Jiarong Liu and Fenny Danehave found evidence that watermelon plants were first cultivated in Egypt’s Nile Valley during the second millennium BC. Watermelons are known for their sweet and juicy interior flesh, which is mostly made up of water, hence their name. They also have the essential hydrating salts, sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium that the body needs in order to stay hydrated. Watermelon is the best hydrating food for hot summer days.

Coconut water

Coconut water is one of the healthiest and most hydrating drinks. For centuries, locals in Southeast Asian countries have been drinking coconut water to quench their thirst and prevent dehydration. Coconut water is great for replacing the water and electrolytes that the body releases during the summer. The water from the coconut fruit is rich in minerals, vitamins and electrolytes that help prevent dehydration.

Apples

Apples are also hydrating foods that are perfect for the summer season. They are easy to carry around in bags or pockets while outside during a hot summer day. Eating a juicy apple will not only prevent dehydration but also help prevent cancer and cardiovascular disease. Apples are also believed to aid in weight loss and in lowering cholesterol levels. Green apples are better than red apples, because they are lower in sugar.

Water with lemon

Water is a cheap drink that is perfect for preventing dehydration during the summer, but it can be made better by adding a slice of lemon. A slice of lemon will add citric enzymes and vitamin C to a plain glass of water. Drinking lemon water will not only keep a person hydrated but also allow him to get some citric enzymes and vitamin C. The Institute of Medicine recommends that one drinks at least 13 cups (3 liters) of water per day to keep his body healthy and hydrated.

Pineapples

Pineapples are juicy fruits that can be eaten or squeezed into juice. This hydrating fruit is also high in bromelain, which aids in digestion. Pineapples help the body detoxify itself and aid in weight loss.

Conclusion

There are many other hydrating drinks and foods that can help prevent dehydration during the summer. Drinking water is not the only way to keep hydrated. Drinking a glass of pineapple juice or eating a slice of watermelon will also keep a person hydrated and healthy during the hot days of summer.